By Joyce Rankin
Special to the Herald Times
RBC | Happy new year and what a year it is shaping up to be. While President elect Trump is poised to 
We constantly encounter new experiences in our jobs. Last week Bob and I were interviewed by KDNK, our local radio station. This is the first time we have been interviewed together and it was an interesting experience. You never know what might happen or, worse, what you might say in an interview. Bob, having more experience and up to date on budget issues was able to explain, from a high level, the state of the budget and some of the challenges this year with health care and education. I, with notes in hand, and little experience, answered questions about my district and upcoming events and issues at the state board. Interviewer Amy Marsh had done her homework and asked some very thought provoking questions.
One question involved the expected dynamic of the state board after flipping from 4/3 Republican to 4/3 Democrat majority. With a seven member board, one representing each congressional district, the new chair will be from the Democratic Party. From my first board meeting I’ve always been impressed by the way the board votes on issues affecting students regardless of party affiliation. Seldom do we vote along party lines. This is because we all want the very best education possible for Colorado students. Defining the “best education” can vary, yet many times we agree that students come first.
The state board will have a busy year making decisions for turnaround schools, reviewing the academic standards for all grade levels, and determining what test might replace the overly burdensome PARCC (Partnership for Assessment for College and Careers) test. We have a lot of work ahead of us.
So as we await the direction of the national political scene and begin the new year, let’s keep an eye on education and some of the issues closer to home.
I look forward to the upcoming year with optimism and enthusiasm and I’m honored for the opportunity to serve.
Joyce Rankin was elected last November to the State Board of Education representing the Third Congressional District. She writes the monthly column, “Across the Street”. The Department of Education, where the State Board of Education meets, is located across the street from the Capitol. She is married to Representative Bob Rankin, House District 57.
